Egypt, DR Congo sign mutual visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic, service passports

CAIRO – 22 November 2024: Egypt and the DR Congo have signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, special, and service passports from both countries, read a joint announcement.

The signing occurred during Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty's visit to the Congolese capital of Kinshasa on Thursday and Friday, with the aim of strengthening relations between the two nations.

The visa exemption agreement is designed to streamline visits of high-ranking officials, fostering enhanced relations between the two parties, as outlined by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

Furthermore, Egypt and the DR Congo have sealed a cooperation framework agreement and emphasized their dedication to regular consultations on key strategic matters of mutual interest.

Foreign Minister Thérèse Wagner of the DR Congo has accepted an invitation from Abdelatty to visit Cairo for a working session, as per the joint statement, with the specifics of the visit to be arranged at a later date.

Abdelatty met with Wagner yesterday, where they held expanded political talks to discuss boosting relations, including trade and investments between both countries, and addressed regional and global issues of concern.

 

NILE, COLLABORATION

Abdelatty and Wagner discussed the Nile water issue, highlighting the importance of applying the principles of international law, especially the principles of prior notification, prevention of harm.

They underlined the necessity of adhering to these principles in any discussions concerning the Nile waters and other transboundary rivers, as well as the principles of harmony, cooperation, consultation, data and information exchange.

Abdelatty expressed Egypt's commitment to contribute to the implementation of development projects in the DR Congo, particularly in the fields of energy and infrastructure.

He announced Egypt's contribution to the financing of the MBANKANA 1 Dam located on one of the tributaries of the Congo River, as part of Egypt's commitment to supporting the developmental needs of the DR Congo.

Abdelatty highlighted Egypt's launch of a mechanism for financing development projects in the countries of the South Nile Basin.

He also noted Egypt’s establishment of a specialized cardiac surgery department at the Kinshasa General Hospital, equipped by the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development (EAPD) with medical equipment and operating rooms for catheterization and open-heart surgeries.

Egypt also deployed doctors to transfer expertise and train Congolese staff.

Meanwhile, the foreign ministers discussed the situation in eastern Congo, the Nile Basin, Sudan, Somalia, and tensions in the Middle East.

Following the consultations, the ministers signed an agreement for mutual exemption from entry visa requirements for holders of official passports, aimed at facilitating visits of high-level officials to enhance relations between the two sides.